Mark Nixon · @markalannixon
1st Feb 2015 from TwitLonger
"I have a lot of pressure." Amélie Mauresmo to @chriscottthomas in l'Équipe.
"My role with Andy really started last summer (end of July) in Florida when I joined his training. Before, at Wimbledon, there was still very little that came from me. It's in the hard part, the work, that you get to know people, but also outside of that. We could finally find a few moments to talk ... It was only this winter (still Miami) that we could really work on the tennis with a programme where 100% of the content came from the trainer and me.
"He's had a lot of bumps since we started working together, but also since his back operation (September 2013). From a personal point of view, the concrete work began after the WTF. I called him several times just after. I told him I was thinking about his game, the important stages he'd gone through ... it was the first summary I'd done directly with him. And especially the first time we could decide together what his project was. We agreed on everything, something that didn't seem obvious to at the beginning.
"I think the the separation with Dani Vallverdu was bound to happen. I wasn't afraid but I had quite a bit of stress, especially about programming the training sessions, the content, exercises to put in place ... When we got to Miami, I felt in charge for the first time. I'm not basically a coach in the classical sense of the term. But in any case, I had to get going. So I did a lot of thinking, got a lot of advice and I also got some inspiration from the kinds of programmes we had for the French (Fed Cup) team. But in the end I mostly relied on my own personal experience. I let my instincts lead me and I quickly realised we were on the same wavelength. During the holidays I took two weeks off and Andy also went back home. Then I left for Australia on January 3. Since Dani left, I haven't had much rest.
"It's true it's a bit of a sacrifice because I'd had enough of travelling. I though very hard before setting off on this adventure. I told myself: 'It's not the lifestyle I wanted to have again, but it's an ambitious project that's challenging ... OK, I'll do it!' From the moment I made the decision, I had to accept the less pleasant stuff, travelling in particular. I hadn't foreseen doing so many weeks (because of Vallverdu's leaving). That's why I want one more for the tennis and to share the tournaments with. I can't do everything. I've already told Andy he'd be alone in February, because after the Fed Cup (first round in Italy next weekend) it's curtains for me. We'll head off together for four weeks for Indian Wells and Miami. But after, the problem will still be there ... we really need to find someone.
"During a tournament, my priority is following the opponent for the next round. Afterwards, I look at the big names Andy might meet later on, and the possible outsiders. I also need to spend time with the videos. It's interesting but it's a lot of information to process. It's not the sexiest part of the job! Dani, he knew the players well. I had a lot of catching up to do in the beginning. I'm more confident today. When I talk about opponents with Andy, I'm not off by very much! If I were, it would be unforgivable and that's normal. It's very demanding, so I have a lot of pressure.
"I didn't at all expect what he said in the microphone on court. I was really touched, not only by the words, but also by his reaction at the end of the match (pointed a finger at her). It's true that it hasn't been easy for me to be at his side, to be scrutinised like I hadn't been in a long time. We were criticised a lot as a team. And I don't think Andy only said those words to defend me. They were for himself too. He'd had six months where he constantly had to justify his choice. He had the courage to say: 'Hey guys, I know very well what I'm doing ... you defend yourselves now.
"I'm overjoyed that he's succeeded in reaching another Slam final because he's gone through some difficult moments. There's also some personal satisfaction. It's a bit presumptuous to say, but I think that up to now we've prepared the matches very well. Against Novak Djokovic, it's going to be a big battle. Andy's lost big in each of their last two meetings. He'll get very few chances. It's up to him to take advantage of them. I've digested the fact that once in the box, I can't do anything more for him. It's very different during the Fed Cup, where I'm in the match with the player. When Andy goes on court I tell him: 'You have the keys now.' I like him to be independent. While I'm in the stands, I always try and slip a word in, to encourage him, not to miss whenever he looks at me ... and that happens a lot."